Ceramic replacements of metal crowns by CEREC offer healthier, more appealing options for Calgary patients

For many years, dental crowns have been ideal solutions for patients who needed to protect, restore, or cover teeth that are broken, decayed, weak, discolored, or simply unattractive. These crowned teeth, referred to as caps, may also be used to secure a dental bridge or to complete a dental implant.

Traditionally, crowns were available in several materials, such as stainless steel, gold or palladium alloys, base-metal alloys such as nickel or chromium, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, and pure porcelain or ceramic.

At Living Wellness Dental Northland, our dental team is committed to providing gentle, safe, and effective biological and holistic dental care. A biological and holistic approach emphasizes whole body wellness and the use of biocompatible dental materials for our patients’ lifelong overall health.

Not all metals are harmful to your health and may be the most suitable option in some situations. However, they may not be the most cosmetic option or done in a single appointment. That’s why Dr. DeSanti and Dr. James Redd offer all-ceramic dental crowns. Ceramic provides a safe and completely natural-looking option for beautiful restorations.

For Calgary patients who may be considering replacements of metal crowns to achieve a whiter smile, we are pleased to provide same day restorations using CEREC technology. CEREC is an acronym that represents CEramic REConstruction, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Developed at the University of Zurich in 1980, CEREC technology uses computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) which allows our dental team to create custom-tailored crowns in a single visit. A three-dimensional image of the patient’s mouth is taken with an intraoral camera, sent to the advanced design software, and individually milled. Because of the 3D camera, no physical and uncomfortable impressions need to be made.

It is estimated that nearly seven million CEREC restorations are made annually. Patients who are interested in same-day dental crown restorations or metal crown replacements are invited to schedule a comprehensive evaluation to develop a plan of care to meet their unique needs.